BLOCK PUTIN Act

This bill, titled the "BLOCK PUTIN Act," seeks to address Hungary's continued reliance on Russian energy and its actions that obstruct financial and security assistance to Ukraine. Congress finds that while most European Union countries have significantly reduced their dependence on Russian fossil fuels following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Hungary has increased its reliance, providing billions in revenue to Russia. Furthermore, Hungary has reportedly blocked significant loan packages and sanctions intended for Ukraine, undermining transatlantic interests and NATO unity. The legislation mandates the President to impose sanctions on senior Hungarian officials who either direct or approve the obstruction of financial or security assistance to Ukraine, or who approve or facilitate oil or natural gas imports from the Russian Federation. These sanctions include the blocking of property within U.S. jurisdiction and rendering individuals ineligible for U.S. visas or admission . The bill provides exceptions, allowing sanctions to be avoided or terminated if Hungary formally adopts and implements a time-bound plan to diversify its energy sources away from Russia and consistently ceases its obstruction of aid to Ukraine for at least 180 days. Additionally, it requires a report from the Treasury and State Departments detailing any U.S. government facilitation of Hungarian purchases of Russian oil and gas.